I'm signed up to do my first NASA HPDE driving on Feb 9-10 coming up here.. Just wondering if I'll see anyone from here out at Sonoma Raceway that weekend..

Also for any of you that have experience driving at NASA event and have any suggestions feel free to post. Thanks

Kyle

 

Never done an NASA HPDE, but I did some NASA Auto-X events in Marina way back in the day. Great group of people. Hardly any d-bags or cocky drivers. Everyone's very safe and concerned about safety. Fun times!

 

Feb 10th is the opening event for the SCCA AutoX as well. Busy weekend for racing!

 

I did a NASA event at Sears Pt. a couple of years ago. It was great, but NASA events are super packed and you have to wait a long time between your drives. Bring a chair and snacks.

 

+1

I'll be at SCCA as well.


I'm hoping to get some track time in this year. I still need a few things first though.

 

Northern California Racing Club - Schedule of Events

Best group for track days IMO.

 

There used to be a thread every year that compiled all the HPDE in one place. Here's an example in 2008:

https://www.i-club.com/forums/meetin...hedule-177615/

So, yes, many of us here did and do HPDE's. Sonoma/Infineon/SearsPoint Raceway is an awesome track. Not really a beginner track, but your instructor should make you stay under control. HPDE's are awesome and I highly recommend anyone who has a "sports car" to try it once. What you learn and experience is way more than you get anywhere else and at a price that's an amazing deal for what you are getting. Where else do you get an expert driver to coach you all day AND about 2 hrs on the track for a few hundred bucks?

BTW, HPDE does NOT equal "race". It is not in any way a race. And as a beginner, there should not be any timing equipment whatsoever. For the beginner, it's a learning experience. And for fun.

You have an FR-S? Bring that! Way better track car than the WRX. By itself, the WRX is a lot of fun on the track.

 

Don't feel afraid to ask questions from your instructor. In my opinion, Sears Point is the most entertaining track in Northern California (even more than Laguna Seca) but you really want to put the time in to learning it. Try to ask your instructor about getting extra seat time, maybe sitting with them while they drive in a group that's not your own. Most of all, have fun!

 

Thanks guys. It'll be a good learning experience in the frs.. Will have the gopros running.

 

Ill be on the safety team that day so don't crash, I don't wanna see any wrecked subies!!

NASA is fun, instructors are pretty good. This track is pretty tough though, just be aware of the cars near you and obey the passing rules.

Your gonna have a blast in either car, what will you be in? You'll see my car in the middle of the track by the tower, ill keep an eye out for you. And yes bring a chair and some snacks.

 

Ill be in my red FRS

 

Awesome that's gonna be a great car for this track, lots of fun and not a ton of power. That's what gets people in trouble, just remember the golden rule - DON'T LIFT, your instructor will talk about it lol.

 

I totally agree! Laguna Seca is awesome in it being a world class track and you've driven it a bajillion times in video games. The corkscrew is so unique.

But Sears Point is more technical with turns linking into each other so much. Definitely my favorite norcal track too.

 

Infineon is my fave as well, have fun OP!

 

These are the ones for norcal I usually stick with gds, ncrc, and city tech
(cheaper end and most driving time to money ratio)
GDS and ncrc a bit more noobie friendly
and city tech is nice for advanced groups

GRIP DRIFT SKID - Event Sign up
http://citytechautobody.com/track_days/
Track and Racing Events - Northern California Racing Club/American Racing Club

Feel these get a bit invasive, but good for learning if you are absolutely, completely new, and hold your hands through.
A fine line between setting up cones everywhere to ensure you to go the right line vs showing you and letting you figure it out.

High Performance Driving Schools, Lessons, Driving Experience, HPDE, Professional Driving School
National Auto Sport Association - Northern California Region [ NASA NORCAL ]

Also lots of fun tracks in socal


I'll be at Laguna on the 3rd with city tech and Thunderhill on the 9th with GDS!